The Saints reportedly have to offload players before making new signings but it’s proving tough.
Southampton will reportedly not be signing a new centre-back this season unless they are able to offload some of their high earners but it is not looking likely, according to the Daily Echo.
The Saints struggled defensively at times last season, which prompted Ralph Hasenhuttl to opt for a system which favoured three centre-backs.
A prior report in The Telegraph claimed that Southampton would look to bolster their defensive ranks after signing Che Adams, but a follow-up report has suggested that the odds are against them.
The Daily Echo claims that other clubs think the Saints are desperate to sell and are thought to be holding out in the belief that the St Mary’s hierarchy will be forced to move players out on the cheap close to the deadline.
Therefore, Saints will have to decide whether to cut their losses and get deals done for surplus players to exit or try to hold fire for a better offer but risk having the surplus players continue to pick up wages without playing.
Saints have only managed to move on Matt Targett, Jordy Clasie and Sam Gallagher during the closed season, while Moussa Djenepo, Danny Ings and Adams have joined, with the transfer window set to shut a week on Thursday.
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